The future of one of HBCU football’s premier opening weekend showcases is now set. The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has officially announced its featured matchups for the next three seasons, with Morgan State, Jackson State, Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Alabama State and Alcorn State all slated to take center stage in nationally televised contests. The annual event continues to serve as a marquee showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities while highlighting the longstanding rivalry between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). 2027: Morgan…
Read MoreDay: July 31, 2026
Victor Wembanyama Signs Long-Term Nike Extension, Earns Signature Shoe After Historic Three-Year NBA Rise
San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama has reached another major career milestone. According to multiple reports, Wembanyama has signed a long-term contract extension with Nike that includes the launch of his own signature basketball shoe line, making him one of the youngest NBA superstars to receive one of the sportswear giant’s highest honors. “We are proud to continue supporting Victor Wembanyama’s journey with Nike. As one of the most unique and influential athletes in the world, Victor is a generational talent who continues to inspire the games next generation. We…
Read MorePaige Bueckers, Angel Reese Won’t Be Punished Over $400 Wager Video After WNBA Deletes Social Media Post
The WNBA will not discipline Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers or Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese after the league deleted a social media video that appeared to show the two stars discussing a friendly $400 wager before Wednesday night’s matchup, according to Annie Costabile. The video, originally posted by the league’s official social media accounts, showed Bueckers and Reese seemingly agreeing to a $400 bet on the outcome of their game. The post was quickly removed after fans questioned whether it conflicted with the WNBA’s gambling policies. Despite the controversy,…
Read MoreFormer Jackson State Assistant Joseph Stone III Selected for NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the San Francisco 49ers
Former Jackson State assistant strength and conditioning coach Joseph Stone III has earned an opportunity to continue his coaching journey at the NFL level after being selected for the 2026 NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the San Francisco 49ers. The prestigious fellowship is designed to provide talented coaches from diverse backgrounds with hands-on experience during NFL training camp while helping prepare them for future coaching opportunities in professional football. Stone, who served as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Jackson State during the 2022 and 2023 seasons,…
Read More“Dodgers”Nike Kobe V Protro Releases August 15: Everything You Need to Know
The “Dodgers”Nike Kobe V Protro is officially scheduled to release on August 15, 2026, bringing another Los Angeles-inspired colorway to one of Kobe Bryant’s most beloved signature silhouettes. Dressed in Rush Blue, Wolf Grey, and Comet Red, the sneaker draws clear inspiration from the iconic Dodgers franchise while honoring Kobe Bryant’s lifelong connection to the city of Los Angeles. The vibrant blue upper is complemented by metallic silver Swooshes outlined in white, while subtle red baseball-style stitching near the heel further reinforces the baseball theme. Additional details include Kobe’s jersey…
Read MoreRob Parker Rips Chris Simms, Police Over Delayed Kyle Shanahan Car Crash News
Rob Parker believes the public should have learned about San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s car crash much sooner. The veteran sports commentator blasted both law enforcement and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms during The Odd Couple, accusing them of helping keep news of Shanahan’s crash out of the public eye for nearly two weeks. “Disgraceful… the police and Chris Simms should be ashamed of themselves for keeping this hidden,” Parker said. The comments have fueled debate across the NFL, with fans questioning whether the delayed disclosure was an…
Read MoreWNBA Says Deleted Bueckers-Reese Betting Video ‘Missed the Mark’
The WNBA has acknowledged that a now-deleted social media video featuring Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese discussing a friendly wager before Wednesday night’s game was inappropriate, saying the post “missed the mark.” In a statement, a league spokesperson addressed the video’s removal: “While the social media post was intended to be lighthearted, it was inconsistent with WNBA policies. We recognized that the post missed the mark, removed it shortly after it was published, and addressed the matter internally.” The video showed Bueckers and Reese joking about a $400 bet over…
Read MoreAndy Reid: Mia Bieniemy Out of ICU, “Doing Great” After Shooting
There was encouraging news Wednesday regarding Mia Bieniemy, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Mia Bieniemy has been released from the intensive care unit and is continuing to recover after being shot at her Virginia home earlier this week. “She’s doing better—great from where she was. Out of the ICU and making progress,” Reid said. Reid also confirmed that Eric Bieniemy remains by his wife’s side as she continues her recovery. The update comes just days after authorities…
Read MoreReport: Raptors Unwilling to Complete Kawhi Leonard Trade Amid Ongoing NBA Investigation
The Toronto Raptors are reportedly refusing to complete a trade involving Kawhi Leonard because of concerns over potential NBA penalties tied to the league’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Toronto is unwilling to assume the risk while the NBA continues to examine allegations that the Clippers may have circumvented salary cap rules in connection with payments made to Leonard. “They are not willing to assume those risks,” Shelburne said. The NBA’s investigation remains ongoing, and the league has not announced any findings or…
Read MoreFalcons Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s Wife Cristina Dies Following Battle With Cancer
The Atlanta Falcons announced Thursday that Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, has passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. She reportedly died on Sunday, July 26. Cristina is survived by her husband, Jeff, and their three children: Samantha, Jax, and Jace. The Ulbrich family has long been recognized for their close bond throughout Jeff’s NFL playing and coaching career. In a statement, the Falcons described Cristina as a “devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her,” adding that…
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